McCoy says he was driving a Ford Econoline van north on Interstate 55 in April 2011. Murdock was driving a Cadillac Escalade in the lane next to McCoy but slightly behind him, according to the complaint. As the vehicles approached milepost 2 in East St. Louis, McCoy claims Ripley rear-ended Murdock's car, causing her to swerve into the other lane and crash into the back of McCoy's van. Ripley was allegedly working for Smith Trucking at the time of the crash.

McCoy accuses Ripley, Murdock and Smith Trucking of negligence and asks for more than $150,000 in damages for medical expense, loss of income and court fees. He is represented by attorney P.K. Johnson of Belleville.